Game 9 Preview: Concordia At St. Oaf

GAME 9: Concordia (6-2/5-1 MIAC) at St. Olaf (2-6/1-5 MIAC) 

DATE: November 5, 2016
LOCATION: Northfield, Minn. (Manitou Field)
GAME TIME: 1 p.m.
RADIO: WDAY 970-AM in the F-M area

Live Video: St. Olaf Stretch Internet GameDay

Live Stats: St. Olaf Stretch Internet GameDay

Live Audio: WDAY 970-AM

Cobbers vs. St. Olaf Series History:

Series started: 1921
Cobbers lead overall series: 38-25-2
Series Synopsis: Concordia has won four straight against St. Olaf and six of the past seven "Lefse Bowl" games. The Cobbers have also won three straight against the Oles on the road and are 7-4 in their last 11 games at St. Olaf dating back to 1997....CC head coach Terry Horan is 10-5 vs. St. Olaf in his first 15 years….the longest win streak for either team happened at the very beginning of the series  where the Oles won the first six games...the series took an extended break between 1952-73 because the Oles were not a part of the MIAC during those years. The series resumed in 1974 and that is when the tradition of the Lefse Bowl and Troll Trophy started.
 
History of the Lefse Bowl and Troll Trophy

Cobber vs. Ole Complete Series History (pdf)

Last Year: Concordia 37 at St. Olaf 7

The Cobbers raced out to a 28-7 halftime lead and never looked back as they defeated St. Olaf 37-7 to retain possession of the Troll trophy for the fourth straight season. Concordia scored on its first three possessions of the game to take a 21-0 lead at the start of the second quarter. CC then added to the lead by tacking on their fourth TD with 2:43 left in the first half.

All of the Cobbers' drives in the first half covered at least eight plays and 60 yards and three of the four were capped off by short touchdown runs from Chad Johnson.   

The second half was all about the Cobber "Black Shirt" defense as they held the Oles scoreless in their five drives of the final two quarters. The longest drive for St. Olaf in the second half was six plays and covered 28 yards and that was the opening drive of the third quarter.

Johnson added his fourth rushing score of the day at the 10:34 mark of the third period and CC rolled to the 30-point win.

Concordia outgained the Oles 463-257 in total offense. The Cobbers had 252 rushing yards and threw for 211 yards. St. Olaf was held to only 75 rushing yards. Both teams had two turnovers in the game. CC recovered a fumble and picked off one pass while the Oles scooped up a pair of Concordia fumbles.

Cobber Football in the Fargo-Moorhead Media:

Fargo Forum
- Cobbers hoping to retain 'ugliest' rivalry trophy
 

Cobber SID
- Cobber Coaches' Show - Nov. 2

Stat Central:

- 2016 Concordia Statistics

- 2016 St. Olaf Statistics

- 2016 MIAC Statistics

- 2016 Concordia NCAA Team/Individual Rankings

- 2016 St. Olaf NCAA Team/Individual Rankings

Pick 6 - 6 Items To Help You Take It To The House: 
1. Seven and Counting – This is the seventh straight week that the Gameday Staff includes the Cobbers' elite ground game. Concordia's 272.5 rushingyards per game is tops in the MIAC and 13th in the nation. The next closest conference opponent is St. John's who averages 215 yards on the ground per game.
2. Match Made in Heaven – While Concordia's ground game is among the best in the country, St. Olaf's rushing defense is among the worst. The Oles' allow 219.3 rushing yards per contest which is 218th in America. 
3. Gerard Butler Stars in 200 – St. Olaf is the only team in the MIAC that allows over 200 yards on the air and on the ground. Along with their conference worst rush defense, they surrender 201.3 passing yards per game. Their 420.5 yards of total offense allowed per game is second to last in the MIAC. 
4. Move the Chains – If 4th and long faces the Cobbers, there is a strong chance they go for it – and with good reason. CC's 80% conversion rate (12-of-15) is second in the entire nation. Hendrix College (Ark.) is the only team in Division-III with a higher conversion rate at 85.7%
5. 98-cents – Michael Herzog has yet to hit the century mark this season. It is the first time in program history that a quarterback has not managed to throw for over 100 yards in eight straight games. Herzog threw for over 100 yards in all seven of his starts last season, including a career-high 236 yards passing in the season finale at Gustavus. The 98 yards on Saturday against the Knights is a season high. 
6. No Fly Zone – The Concordia defense has had four interceptions in three consecutive weeks for the first time in program history. The Cobbers have also scored a defensive touchdown in each of the last three weeks.

Scouting the Oles:
St. Olaf enters the Lefse Bowl in the battle for the Troll Trophy at 2-6 after they dropped a 23-3 decision to Gustavus last weekend at home.

Under center for the Oles is sophomore Jack Goldstein. The Benilde St. Margaret's product has thrown for 1,410 yards and 11 touchdowns with seven picks this season. His 176.3 passing yards per game is third in the league and his completion percentage of 62.7% is good for second in the conference.

Lining up behind Goldstein in the backfield is sophomore tailback Kosey Mitchell and freshman Khayleb Willis. The duo together has seen significant action as underclassmen for the Oles.

Willis also handles a majority of the returning for the Oles as he averages over 20 yards per return.

Goldstein has four primary targets on the perimeter. Junior Connor Henderson is the team's leading receiver. He has snagged 37 balls for 494 yards and four scores. Not far behind is Troy Peterson who has 36 catches for 325 yards and two touchdowns. Jorgen Salveson is also a big threat as he has 388 yards and four scores. Connor Yahn also averages 42.3 receiving yards per contest.

Kyle McMahan has been solid for the Oles on special teams this season. The first-year kicker from Plainsfield, Ill. is 6-of-7 on field goal attempts and 16-for-18 on extra points.

Defensively, St. Olaf is led by sophomore linebacker Luke Dahl. Dahl joins fellow sophomore and Cobber Alex Berg atop the conference leader board in tackles as they both have 76 (9.5 per game).  Dahl also has 2.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss.

Senior outside linebacker Colton Yahn is second on the squad with tackles as he has amassed 69 through eight games. Strong safety Coleman Foley is third with 6.3 tackles per game.

Cobber SID Picks To Click:
Once again we will choose one offensive player and one defensive player who we think will have a chance to have a big game on Saturday. It will give the fans a chance to watch the "key" players on either side of the ball. It will hopefully give an insight into what the keys to success might be.

Offense - #9 QB Michael Herzog – This is the week the Detroit Lakes native will breach the century mark throwing the football. The dual threat quarterback will open up the passing game with some big aerial plays to counter the potential big day the Cobbers will have on the ground.

Defense - #57 LB Hank Van Liew – Concordia has won four straight and six of the last seven "Lefse Bowl" games. The senior linebacker will not allow the Cobbers let the Troll leave Moorhead during his four years at CC. Look for Van Liew and all seniors to step up and have big games.

Cobber Coaches' Show - Nov. 2